Suraj Sharma's acting debut in new Ang Lee film 'Life of Pi'

Acclaimed director Ang Lee's epic film Life of Pi is fast gathering shape with newcomer Suraj Sharma and the tiger looking fierce in the first look.

"He [Sharma] gives an emotional performance in a movie that has the look of a family film, but it's also a movie about big ideas," said Lee in a statement released after the unveiling in Los Angeles.

The Delhi-based actor Sharma beat 3,000 hopefuls who had auditioned for the title role.

Life of Pi is based on Yann Martel's best-seller and has been shot in 3D.

Ends